Mental health patients' experiences of being misunderstood

L.M. Gaillard
M.M. Shattell
Sandra Thomas, University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Abstract

Mental health patients describe “being understood” as an experience that evokes feelings of importance, worthiness, and empowerment. However, the experience of “being misunderstood” is more prevalent in patients’ relationships with health care providers. Negative consequences such as vulnerability, dehumanization, and frustration reveal that being misunderstood has the potential to damage or destroy therapeutic relationships.